Tim Tebow takes on Skip Bayless, ESPN’s “First Take”

ESPN was so excited about landing a phone interview between First Take panelist Skip Bayless and Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow that the network created its own hashtag for the event: #WhenSkipMetTebow.

(My question: What will the network do should they arrange for Bayless and Tebow to actually meet in person?)

The back story: Bayless has been an ardent Tebow supporter for quite some time, and frequently sticks up for Tebow when other analysts do not. Bayless began the segment by saying he “never wanted to meet Tim Tebow” because he didn’t want viewers to think he just wants to be Tebow’s “buddy,” but that he just believes in his heart that Tebow is a winner.

No wonder Tebow agreed to this much-hyped phone interview with Bayless.

What followed, after a hilarious (to me, not likely for the folks in the Bristol control room) phone malfunction, was a back-and-forth between the ESPN personality and the quarterback. To Bayless’ credit, he didn’t lob all softballs at Tebow.

Tebow artfully dodged most football-specific questions, as he so often does when he meets the press on a weekly basis at Dove Valley.

Among the topics:

4th quarter comebacks: Tebow said he learned from Urban Meyer that to be successful at the end of games you must have “competitive greatness,” Tebow said. “We’ve been able to find different ways to win. More than anything going out there and having fun,” Tebow said. “The mindset is to do whatever it takes.”

Why not as successful earlier in games? “I guess I just have to improve a little bit, and that’s why we go to work every day,” Tebow said.

Is he being best utilized in the Broncos’ current offense? Tebow dodged this question and instead praised his coaches and teammates. “I guess I just have to improve a little bit, and that’s why we go to work every day,” Tebow said.

Bayless asked Tebow to rate himself as a passer. Tebow instead talked about how he doesn’t listen to what others say about him, and how it has been his dream since he was six years old to be an NFL quarterback.

Bayless asked what is the most important thing to being a good NFL quarterback. Tebow’s answer: Leadership and decision-making. But, Bayless asked, what about accuracy? “I think accuracy is very important because we play in a league where the window is very tight. You have to be able to put balls in there,” Tebow said. Bayless followed up by asking if accuracy can be taught. “A lot of the abilities God has given us we can continue to work on,” Tebow said. Give Bayless credit again for asking Tebow if he can become a better passer. “We can continue to work and get better every day,” Tebow said.

Tebow dodged all questions about Elway’s comments on a radio show Monday morning in which he said he wasn’t feeling closer to knowing if the team’s future quarterback is on the roster. The comments blew up the Internet yesterday. Tebow multiple times thanked Elway and head coach John Fox and owner Pat Bowlen for giving him a chance to play. “I will continue to work as hard as I can to make this organization proud,” Tebow said

Bayless then asked Tebow about comments former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer made recently, saying that he wished Tebow wouldn’t be as public with his Christian faith. In the same interview, Plummer gushed about Tebow as a player. Tebow said he “really appreciates” Plummer calling him a winner. But Tebow made an analogy comparing his frequent public comments about his faith to a husband praising his wife. Tebow said he wants to express his love for Jesus every day. “It is the most important thing in my life, and when I get the opp to tell him I love him or shout him out on national TV, I’m going to take that opportunity,” Tebow said.

This, I thought, was an interesting question. Does Tebow’s faith give him an edge on the football field? “It just makes me who I am as a person. It gives me a peace beyond all understanding, a sense of comfort that I know no matter what happens on a football field God is in control,” Tebow said.

And then they bantered about a golf game and Tebow refused to guarantee the Broncos will win the AFC West.

So what do you think? For those of us who see and hear from Tebow on a regular basis, it was nothing too revealing. Tebow is poised and polished, especially when answering questions about his faith, and he made sure not to say anything controversial about his bosses, coaches or teammates.

I thought as always, Tebow is a confident and centered young man. I appreciate his work ethic and giving credit where credit is due. I think the media goes overboard on asking the same questions over and over again. The best thing for Tebow is to continually work with what he has, and keep developing for the future. I see a bright future for Tim.

I think which-ever team goes all in with tebow and knows how to utilize him as QB, is gonna be one
kickass football team for many years. Too bad it ain’t going to be the Broncos…
The Broncos will just have a super, football-savvy, genius coach/front office folks, but that’s just as good…right?

When you listen to Tebow many, many times you realize he always sticks to the script. I understand he gets asked a lot of the same questions, but he has mentioned wanting to be a QB since he’s 6 years old about a thousand times. He can be a little “Stepford wife”. I know he’s genuine but he can come off a little brainwashed. The kid definitely lives in a bubble, protected by his family. He doesn’t live anything near a normal life, and that seems to be fine with him. I hoe he gets to play on a team that really wants him as a starter and who go all in with him, he’ll do just fine.

It’s called integrity. What do you mean by ‘normal life’? It sounds like he has a loving and supporting family who raised him in a Christian household. Too bad that isn’t considered normal these days. We all would be better off if it were.

Being protected by family is an “abnormal” thing? Whoa. Then I feel bad for you, KM. And yes, his profession of his Christian faith sometimes can be off-puting to some. Tebow did say that his love for God gives him a sense of peace and comfort. Sounds perfectly reasonable to me.
Elway should just be classy and shut up. Maybe going back to Denver Community College and learn Management 101. Elway might also need to check with his boss about Tebow’s future in Denver. Last I heard, Mr. Bowlen might have other ideas. I dunno. Tebow is not (yet) a Hall of Fame quarterback. He just WINS.

When you listen to the “questions” asked, you understand the so called sports writers are sticking to the script. Tebow doesnt come off as brainwashed, he comes off as being too smart to take the bait. If by living in a bubble, you mean not getting arrested like so many NFL players do ( including Plummer), then I guess he does. The kid comes off brighter than any of his interviewers who are trying to get that ” gotcha” moment.

Maybe, but it sounds to me like Elway’s just a lot more honest. Of course, Tebow’s young, and Elway’s been there before, and there’s no doubt about who Elway is. Tebow’s going to stick to the script, while Elway actually answers honestly.

Elway can be as honest as he wants to be in the building. When dealing with the media he needs to show some tact and class. Had he been scrutinized in the same light when by management when he was a player you probably would have been cheering for Elway, the third baseman for the Yankees. He needs to shut up and get his guy in April. Until then, get out of the way and let us enjoy the only WINNING that has taken place over the last couple of years.

I am shocked that Elway’s ego can fit into the stadium. Yes he was an excelent QB in his day, but how does that mean he is an NFL front office genius? He spent more of his life selling cars than in the NFL. Tebow has been under ther microscope more than any NFL player ever, and you see a big ego? I see confidence.

Can’t he deliver the honest message to Tebow in a meeting room and get a direct response? Public honesty, yes. But not at the expense of demotivating someone. How would you like a boss to send you a message through a public radio? Don’t they meet anymore. Elway need to show example and leadership. It forced Tebow to respond in public. Fortunately, no controversy to the brass in that interview.

That message that Fox thinks he needs to send to Tebow belongs in the office not in the newa> He needs to let up and back the kid. That would give Tebow more CONFIDENCE in the game. But I have said from the start Fox just doesn’t have faith in Tim and he keeps hanging the #1 QB over his head from week to week is just wrong and it lets everyone no he does not have any faith in him….. But then again that is the kind of talk that makes Tim say I will show you

obviously, you don’t know squat about management and leadership. You have “no problem” with Elway’s comments? Well, if you’re a team member preparing yourself for “show time”, where’s the Team Spirit coming from? Elway-or Tebow?

It certainly has been fun and interesting to watch Tebow play. Who doesn’t enjoy a DB win!? But soon after that Jet game, I went from being a big fan to being feeling weird about all this Jesus talk. It’s great if that’s what he’s into and it helps him– I don’t knock people who want to believe in religion– but seriously? You’re going to thank “the lord JC” before your teammates? Before your defense that kept you in the game?! He said that in EVERY POST-GAME INTERVIEW. Sigh. I’m with Plummer on this one. We get it. You love JC. And I would feel the same if a player thanked his wife after every game. We get it!

Adam- My guess is your not a believer in Christ- so Tebow’s faith is hard to understand for you. But Tebow knows where all things come from, our abilities, our talents, our gifts. They don’t come from our wives or our friends. They only come from one place… Tebow knows and understands this and as long as there are unbelievers then Tebow’s first mission will continue and that is why he is is open with his faith and trust in God…..That’s what all of us strive for…..

In every interview he spent much more time praising his coaches and teammates than Jesus. Try to look at him objectively, instead as an antichristian. If you doubt me, listen to the interviews and either count words or measure time. Either way, you’ll have to accept the fact that he does praise his human support with at least 10 times more than he praises the Creator. Giving props to Jesus earlier in the interview shows his priority, but doesn’t make the rest of the interview moot.

All of his teammates fron Florida and Denver (except Orton, maybe) call him a winner and a perfect teammate. If the ones that see him and play with him aren’t offended by the Jesus factor, why does it bother you?

I’m bothered by the inability to complete a pass on third down, not displaying a consistent interview style over the past 7 years as a public figure. Just sayin’.

I hope we continue with Tebow with the smash-mouth triple option, zone-blocking scheme. You throw in Trent Richardson and you would literally never have to pass. Of course, you could probably pass even more then, because Defenses would have to worry so much about the run. After taking Richardson in the 1st, if he was even available, then we go all Defense after that. Play tough Defense and Run the ball with big bruising backs will win us a Super Bowl. The Broncos are setting the trend. I saw more QB’s running this week. Maybe Tebow’s success had nothing to do with it, but I think teams will see just how much opposing Defenses really hate to see a QB running consistently. If Richardson is not an option, which he should be a top 10 pick easily, then maybe we can sign FA Peyton Hillis, who I’m sure would be welcomed back in Denver and he would know that he would get as many carries as he wanted.
A win this week against the Chargers and we’ll know if this can continue for the rest of the season. If we play like we did the past three games, then I think it can. If we crumble like we did in the Detroit game, then it’s back to the drawing board.

Tebow is a boring interview. He stays out of trouble by giving the same candy coated answers (dodges), but he doesn’t say anything. Except to repeat himself dozens of times about Jesus and being a QB since age 6. Agree with the other guy who says “We get it!” Yawn.

Yeah, Elway is smart to say exactly what he believes to reporters and the public, being an executive of the Broncos and Tebow is foolish to keep his cards to his vest and give repetitive answers that don’t give you much insight to his true thoughts.

If you didn’t know better, you would think the roles would be reversed.

It was best that he stayed middle of the road with his comments. Comments that I have heard a million times but, still advisable. And, truly what is he to say to the FO of Denver comments? He knows how they feel. I am really surprised though that Elway has come off like he was a HOF QB his first 8 starts…..even after he saw the comparable numbers. I probably saw 99% of Tebows games in person and I never considered him such an inaccurate passer. I say surround him with more weapons like Terrell Davis and you will get like results. But, good for you Tebow. Don’t add more fuel to fire. Keep your mouth close and work hard.

I think TT avoids controversial subjects in which 1.) he doesn’t know the outcome, e.g.. being the Bronco’s QB next year or knowing what the management thinks about him, both things subject to change. 2.) Nor does he comment on his QB skills because those are improving and he knows they will be evident as time goes on. If his skills don’t improve, why criticize yourself in the media and plant doubt, especially while you’re winning. TT definitely has good PR judgement, but I think most of that stems from his attitude to try and “bring a better day to those in need”. I believe he genuinely wants to help others and to TT part of that means watching what he says.

At the end of the day, let Rex Ryan, Ochocinco, and others generate the headlines. This kid wants to do what he’s being paid to do well. His boss, Elway, says he doesn’t know if Tebow is the long term answer at QB. Realistically, no one does at this point. Tebow’s throwing accuracy clearly leaves much to be desired. His leadership and the way he lifts others around him aren’t being questioned (see Von Miller, Eddie Royal, et al). As to his faith being front and center in what he says and does, I applaud the young man. How many writers in this thread are professing Christians whose neighbors and co-workers have no idea about your relationship with Jesus Christ? Could it be that Tebow lives it well enough that the rest of us are uncomfortable not with the way he shows it but the way we don’t?

Tim Tebow is polished. Tim Tebow is not “normal”. He is focused and determined and does not get distracted. From His goals. Who wouldn’t admire those qualities alone? The best thing he does is he doesn’t believe his own press- smart man.

Tim Tebow is everything you want in a person, however he simply is not and will not be the future of the Denver Broncos. He has way to much to overcome to be the player we need to battle against the best of the NFL.

Certainly, that is a possibility. But is is also possible that TT will continue to improve. For those who have watched TT’s entire journey from the Senior Bowl until now, the improvement has been drastic and remarkable. It’s been less than 2 years since TT FIRST began learning a pro-style offense. Think about that for a second. Never before in his life has he run a pro-style offense. Never was taught 3, 5, and 7 step drops. Never taught to read a defense as you drop back. Never taught to plant your back foot and let it go.

The last couple of games I’ve watched him take snaps from under center (not fumble the snap), take a 7 step drop while executing play action, and work his reads from left to right all the way across the field and throw it to his 3rd or 4th option. That wasnt happening 5 games ago. 5 games ago TT was a 1 or 2 read QB, and his throws were closer to the stands than the reciever. Now they are off by only a little, and the little that they are off is to the safe side away from the defender. What TT is still missing is proper footwork to establish a good throwing base, and confidence to let the ball go.

Hall of Fame career? Greatest? What drugs are you folks on? Seriously? Folks this little 4-1 run is a nice little hickup, but that is it. This isn’t a long term thing. Orton went 6-0 at one time folks. You are not going to win many games going 8 straight 3 and outs. You maybe able to beat the Jets or Chiefs or Dolphins folks, but the real good football teams like the Lions, Packers, Steelers, Pats will embarrass this team and Tebow. Tebow is a nice Christian individual. His inability to pass the ball like an NFL QB will come back to haunt the Broncos. Enjoy this little streak while it lasts, but believe me it will come to an end when the Broncos have to play the better teams in the NFL, like the Lions game. Tebow is going to end up tearing this team and fan base apart because of the absolute man worship of this guy. It is ridiculous. I thought the only person a christian was suppose to worship was Christ.

Tebow’s doing just fine and continuing to develop as a QB. Tebow isn’t tearing the team apart, from what I can see they seem to enjoy winning for a change.
I guess your argument with 8 straight 3 and outs is what you think clinches your argument, but I saw little to no spread option in the third and fourth quarter with series after series of 2 runs up the gut and 3rd and long attempt to pass or just run up the gut again. That’s not Tebow, that’s the play calling.
Tebow is a solid well-grounded young man who seems to be handling the media storm better than the coaches and managers.

All you’ve managed to demonstrate by your comment is your irrationality. It’s ridiculous to make a categorical statement that Tebow’s and the Broncos’ success “isn’t a long term thing.” How the heck do you know? Do you have a crystal ball? The same is true regarding the third-down conversion stats. You have no idea, nor does anyone else, whether that will improve, or to what extent. We can all state what we guess, or believe, or even hope, but if you’re going to engage in an actual discussion and not just foam at the mouth those statements need to be based on evidence and data. The fact is that there isn’t enough data to say Tim Tebow “can’t” or “won’t” be successful in the NFL. There is data that says he COULD be. His record speaks for itself and so do his teammates. If they think (as Champ Bailey has said) that when Tebow improves his passing stats he will be ‘”unstoppable,” and Champ is a veteran Pro Bowler who speaks from experience, who are you to state definitively that it isn’t possible?
As for Tebow “tearing the team and fan base apart,” that’s just utterly ludicrous. Obviously you don’t bother to actually read the articles in which Broncos’ players give their opinion of Tebow. His teammates have been unanimously positive in their appraisal of him. Von Miller says he’ll follow Tebow “all the way,” “right until the end.” Champ Bailey says that he sees Tebow giving 110%, so he’ll give 125%. The others say in turn that Tebow’s good-naatured, genuine, and funny. They make it clear that they flat out like him and can’t understand why the haters don’t. So it’s BS for you to claim anything will be “torn apart.” The idea doesn’t even make sense: yeah, WINNING destroys team and fan harmony. What crap. Lastly, the fact that you just had to take a swipe at Christians” supposed “worship” of Tebow at the end of your post says everything about what’s really motivating your “analysis” of him. You’re ranting instead of reasoning and basing your opinion of a player on what you ASSUME to be the faith-based loyalty of his fans.
I hate to introduce you to reality, but you can love watching Tim Tebow win again and again without being a Christian. It’s not worship. It’s admiration and enthusiasm for someone who’s a breath of fresh air in a league full of people who either have been or should be in jail for one reason or another, who are coddled with undeserved praise from coaches, the media and front offices despite crappy performances, and who whine about everything. It’s about appreciation for a big, tough but sweet kid who makes games exciting and unpredictable when it matters most. I can’t even recall another player in 35 years who has forced me to watch supposedly “lost” games down to the last second so consistently, and this is just his 8th start. Any football fan worth his salt should be thrilled by that. It’s good for the league. I’ve never been a Denver fan before the promotion of Tim Tebow to starting QB, but I am now. Of course I want my childhood team to win it all, but I want Tebow to take the Broncos as far as he can, and if Elway’s too stupid to keep him next season, then I’ll take my interest to whatever team he lands with.

first of all dencer gave tim tebow the head job as quaterback but in football the offense is suppose to stick together and if he does’nt have open recivers he is suppose to scramble and if he decides to run the ball a offensive lineman is suppose to open up some type of hole for room to run that youngman is human just like the rest of us every mornining there is always more negitive about this kid the black sports reporters that talkbad about tebow are closet racists who deep down inside don’t like whites anyway and the white sports reporters are sick insane and crazy all at the same time and for all you out there who hate this youngman you just don’t comming from achristain family myself it is said when you hate others god will punshish you not today but when you least expect one you’ll wonder why everything isgoing so wrong and it will hit you did in your face so you fools can keep hating that will be on you not me later.

Nicki Jhabvala is a Broncos beat writer for The Denver Post. She was previously the digital news editor for sports. Before arriving in Denver, she spent five years at Sports Illustrated working primarily as its online NBA editor. She also spent two years as a home page editor at the New York Times.